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Sermon Title: Don’t Forget

Theme: Remembering what truly matters in the midst of preparation and life’s excitement
Key Text: Deuteronomy 8:11 – “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God…”

I. Introduction: The Excitement of the Journey

They were well-prepared for their third annual camping trip—gear, clothes, checklists, even the dog was accounted for. But in all their planning, they forgot the most essential items—the food.

Transition:
Like the Johnsons, we often prepare extensively for life—jobs, relationships, education, retirement—but forget the most essential spiritual necessities.

II. Spiritual Parallels: What Have You Left in the "Fridge"?

A. The Danger of Forgetfulness

• Life can be so full of activity that we forget spiritual priorities.
• “Don’t forget…” is a frequent command in Scripture because God knows our tendency to get distracted.

Deuteronomy 6:12 – “Then beware, lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt...”

B. Their Checklist Was Thorough—But Missing the Main Thing

• They had chairs, a grill, insect repellent—but no food.
• You can have the job, the house, the family… but forget your daily bread—the Word of God, prayer, relationship with Christ.

Matthew 4:4 – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”

C. They Were Intentional… Just Not About the Essentials

• Just like they intentionally pre-cooled the cooler but forgot the contents, we sometimes build a life with structure but no substance.
• A faith that looks organized but lacks intimacy.

III. What Are You Forgetting in Your Spiritual Life?

1. Don’t Forget to Spend Time with God Daily

Psalm 63:1 – “O God, you are my God; early will I seek you...”

2. Don’t Forget the Word

James 1:25 – “But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it… he will be blessed in what he does.”

3. Don’t Forget the People God Gave You

Hebrews 10:25 – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…”

4. Don’t Forget God’s Past Faithfulness

Deuteronomy 8:2 – “And you shall remember that the Lord your God led you all the way…”

IV. Life Application & Short Illustrations

Story Connection:
They didn’t starve—but they didn’t feast either. Peanut butter sandwiches are fine in a pinch, but they aren't what was planned or prepared.
Spiritual Application:

• Some Christians are living on spiritual peanut butter because they forgot the meat of the Word.
• When you forget the essentials, your worship, service, and spiritual joy become dry and lacking.

V. Don’t Forget… Jesus

Luke 22:19 – “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

• Even Jesus knew we’d be tempted to forget.
• Communion is not just ritual—it’s a reminder of who we are and what He’s done.
• Don’t forget His sacrifice, His promises, His soon return.

VI. Conclusion: It’s Not Too Late to Go Back

Even though the Johnsons forgot the food, they could regroup the next day.
You may have forgotten something spiritually… but it’s not too late to return to it.

Final Challenge:

• What’s still in the “spiritual refrigerator”

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